No. 20 Baylor uses late run to take down Auburn in its season opener

Baylor guard Ja’Kobe Walter (4) shoots a 3-point shot during an NCAA college basketball game against Auburn, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Sioux Falls, S.D. (AP Photo/Josh Jurgens)

by: Eric Kelly

Posted: Nov 7, 2023 / 10:34 PM CST

Updated: Nov 7, 2023 / 10:35 PM CST

SIOUX FALLS, SD (FOX 44) — The 20th-ranked Baylor Men’s Basketball team closed on an 16-5 run in the final 3:38 to outlast Auburn in the 2023-24 season opener.

1-0.#SicEm | #CultureofJOY pic.twitter.com/Gv03TUqR4R
— Baylor Men’s Basketball (@BaylorMBB) November 8, 2023

Going to the final TV timeout, the Bears trailed 77-72, but responded with an 11-0 run, capped by a RayJ Dennis jumper with 1:26 left, to take a six-point lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

One of the stories of the night was the play by five-star freshman Ja’Kobe Walter, who finished with 28 points, which is a program record for a freshman debut.

The Bears now improve to 1-0, and will next be in action on Thursday, November 9th when they host John Brown at 11:00 am.